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Am I a Covert Narcissist?

Take this quiz to learn if you show the signs.

Are you wondering if you have the covert form of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)? NPD is a mental health disorder characterized by high self-importance, a lack of empathy, and low self-esteem. While overt (grandiose) narcissists tend to be extroverted and sociable, covert narcissists are more withdrawn and, on the surface, might not appear narcissistic at all.

While only a qualified mental health professional can diagnose you with NPD, this quiz can help you get a better sense of whether you have traits and tendencies associated with covert narcissism.

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Questions Overview

1. You often fantasize about being important, special, or powerful.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
2. You’re really sensitive to criticism and easily get hurt or angered by it.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
3. People would describe you as shy, withdrawn, or introverted.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
4. You often feel jealous of other people and think you deserve what they have.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
5. You often feel anxious about being “found out” as a failure or fraud.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
6. You often feel depressed or empty, especially when you don’t receive the praise or admiration you feel you deserve.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
7. You feel inadequate and like you’re not good enough.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
8. You fish for compliments by putting yourself down.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
9. You’re passive-aggressive when people do something that upsets you.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
10. You hold grudges when people wrong you or get things you think you deserve more.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
11. You do kind or generous things mainly so other people will recognize and admire you for it.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
12. You have trouble building and maintaining genuine relationships.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.

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Realizing that you may have narcissistic tendencies can be confusing and upsetting, but know that if you do have qualities associated with covert narcissism, there are steps you can take and resources available to help. People with this disorder can develop a better self-image and healthier relationships with others with time and treatment. With a mental health professional\u2019s help, covert narcissists can learn strategies to lessen the impact that the disorder has on their life and relationships. By finding healthier ways to get their needs met, they\u2019re often able to live more authentically and stop holding themselves to such high standards.

And remember: having NPD doesn\u2019t make someone a bad person. NPD is a mental health disorder and not a choice. Being aware of unhealthy narcissistic tendencies is the first step to finding healthier alternatives and living a happier life.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Treat-Narcissism"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Identify-a-Narcissist"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Treat Narcissism","id":10804005,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Treat-Narcissism","image":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Treat-Narcissism-Step-13.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Treat-Narcissism-Step-13.jpg","alt":"How to Treat Narcissism"},{"title":"How to Spot a Narcissist (Plus Coping Tips)","id":1997524,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Identify-a-Narcissist","image":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Identify-a-Narcissist-Step-18.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Identify-a-Narcissist-Step-18.jpg","alt":"How to Spot a Narcissist (Plus Coping Tips)"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"You have some narcissistic traits but likely aren\u2019t a covert narcissist.","meaning":"Based on your answers, it appears you may have some narcissistic traits and tendencies, but not enough to meet the criteria for covert narcissistic personality disorder.

Keep in mind that most people have some narcissistic traits, and that doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re a narcissist. For example, people are often manipulative or envious of others without being a narcissist. Only a qualified mental health professional can determine if someone meets enough of the criteria to be officially diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).

If you\u2019re struggling with your self-esteem and forming genuine relationships with others, know that you\u2019re not alone and your feelings are totally normal. There are tools and resources available that can help, including therapy. By working with a mental health professional and taking steps to improve your self-image, you can start living more authentically and developing meaningful relationships.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Treat-Narcissism"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Identify-a-Narcissist"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Treat Narcissism","id":10804005,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Treat-Narcissism","image":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Treat-Narcissism-Step-13.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Treat-Narcissism-Step-13.jpg","alt":"How to Treat Narcissism"},{"title":"How to Spot a Narcissist (Plus Coping Tips)","id":1997524,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Identify-a-Narcissist","image":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Identify-a-Narcissist-Step-18.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Identify-a-Narcissist-Step-18.jpg","alt":"How to Spot a Narcissist (Plus Coping Tips)"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"You have few to no traits of covert narcissism.","meaning":"Based on your answers, it appears you have few to no traits or tendencies associated with covert narcissistic personality disorder. Remember that only a qualified mental health professional can diagnose you.

If you\u2019re still concerned about your mental health, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for support and guidance. They can help you work through any issues you\u2019re experiencing and develop healthy coping strategies.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Develop-Self\u2010Esteem"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Cope-With-Anxiety-and-Depression"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Develop Self\u2010Esteem","id":32588,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Develop-Self\u2010Esteem","image":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Develop-Self%E2%80%90Esteem-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Develop-Self%E2%80%90Esteem-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","alt":"How to Develop Self\u2010Esteem"},{"title":"How to Cope With Anxiety and Depression","id":379563,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Cope-With-Anxiety-and-Depression","image":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Cope-With-Anxiety-and-Depression-Step-22-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Cope-With-Anxiety-and-Depression-Step-22-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Cope With Anxiety and Depression"}],"minimum":0}]" class="quiz_results_data"/>\"Introvert<\/picture>","alt":"Introvert or Extrovert Quiz"},{"title":"What Type of Person Am I Quiz","id":13974160,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/What-Type-of-Person-Am-I","image":"\"What<\/picture>","alt":"What Type of Person Am I Quiz"},{"title":"Do I Have Rizz Quiz","id":14006700,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Rizz-Quiz","image":"\"Rizz<\/picture>","alt":"Do I Have Rizz Quiz"}],"number":1},{"text":"Not always very good. I often get down on myself or anxious.","result":"We're here to help with that. We have some expert-reviewed mental health quizzes you might like:","next_quizzes":[{"title":"Depression Test","id":13624617,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Depression-Test","image":"\"Depression<\/picture>","alt":"Depression Test"},{"title":"Social Anxiety Test","id":13350370,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Social-Anxiety-Test","image":"\"Social<\/picture>","alt":"Social Anxiety Test"},{"title":"Imposter Syndrome Test","id":13520254,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Imposter-Syndrome-Test","image":"\"Imposter<\/picture>","alt":"Imposter Syndrome Test"}],"number":2}]}" class="quiz_questionnaire_data"/>


What is Covert Narcissism, Exactly?

Most people think of a narcissist as someone who’s extroverted, charming, and assertive, but that’s actually not always the case. Some people with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) are introverted and shy, and they might not appear to outsiders to be narcissists at all. People with this form of NPD are often called covert narcissists.

Unlike overt narcissists (or grandiose narcissists, as mental health professionals say), who are typically outgoing and sociable, covert narcissists are more withdrawn and less likely to socialize with others. They still have the same overly high self-importance as an overt narcissist, but they’re less likely to show it outwardly. Instead, they’re often self-deprecating in an attempt to get the compliments and attention they feel they deserve.

Covert narcissists still have the primary traits of standard NPD, including a lack of empathy, an excessive need for praise, and a sense of entitlement, but, in the covert narcissist’s case, these things manifest in unique ways. Some common traits of covert narcissism include:

  • Difficulty making friends
  • Shyness
  • Anxiety and/or depression
  • Passive aggression
  • Envy of others
  • Self-serving generosity

It’s important to remember that even if you have some of these traits, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a covert narcissist. Everyone is capable of having some narcissistic tendencies. If you’re concerned that you may have NPD, reach out to a qualified mental health professional for an official diagnosis.

Want to learn more?

For more information about covert narcissism, check out these resources:

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